The 2019 Leadership Conference Celebrating African America History Month opens tonight in the Trojan Center Ballrooms on the campus of Troy University.

The Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Dr. Quinton Ross, president of Alabama State University, will be the keynote speakers for the l8th Annual Leadership Conference.

Shelia Jackson, Conference committee chair and City of Troy public relations and tourism director, said Warnock and Ross follow in the footsteps of other proven leaders and motivators who have led the conference.

“Each year, the commitment of the Leadership Conference committee is to bring outstanding leaders to the conference and, again this year, we have two of the country’s most outstanding leaders,” Jackson said. “The theme of the 2019 conference is ‘Leaders Embracing New Relationships, Destinations and Opportunities.’ I know of no others who could better inspire and motivate us, as attendees, to move out of our comfort zones and venture into new areas of opportunities. We are honored to have Dr. Warnock and Dr. Ross. We are looking forward to a weekend a learning and fellowship. When Troy University and the City of Troy join together in a common purpose, good things always happen. This will be a great weekend in Troy.”

Warnock has served as senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church since 2005.

“Ebenezer Baptist Church is the spiritual home of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Jackson said. “Under Dr. Warnock’s leadership more than 4,000 new members have joined the historic church.”
Prior to his becoming president of Alabama State University, Ross had begun his fourth term in the Alabama State Senate. He was elected as the first African American male to serve as Senate Minority Leader.

“We look forward to hearing the address by Dr. Warnock at the opening session tonight and Dr. Ross, at the closing session,” Jackson said. “We also have well-known educators for today’s pre-conference teacher workshop, Dr. Fred Figliano and Dr. Duane Gunn. Our session speakers are outstanding motivators and provide inspiration for all of us to be better individuals and more effective community leaders.”

The session speakers are Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Linda Garret and Pastor Joseph F. Johnson. Student speakers are Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Maceo Henderson and Jarrod Lockhart.

Entertainment for the 18^th Annual Leadership Conference Opening Session will be by Johnnie Carr Middle School Choraliers. Henry Everett and Friends will entertain at the Closing General Session.

Late registration will be at 5 p.m. today at the Trojan Center Ballroom. Adult registration is $30 and student registration is $15.